Till Monday: Tuck U

Credit (left to right): The Sartorialist, Vogue France (both)

For the coming work week, an office-friendly inspiration:

Take what you got; tuck what you got.

I still have to think twice before I tuck in my shirt because it was the uncool thing to do in SEVENTH GRADE. Time to rethink that notion, because the tuck can really slick-up what would otherwise be sloppy (or just boring).

Happy Weekend!

Bags: Brown is the New Bag

*street style photo from copenhagenstreetstyle.dk

The time will come - maybe this weekend, maybe next weekend, but some day soon, you'll open up your Spring/Summer trunk, closet area, wing of your estate, whatever to see what works this time around.

And chances are, if you spent any time last year at Forever 21, H&M or even Top Shop, half that sh*t is going straight to the charity shop. Even your little sister doesn't want that has-been junk.

So slow down you fast fashion freak! Let's talk about long-term investments. Maybe brown bags aren't just for your frugalista lunch. There's a bare-bones timelessness about this line-up that feels right and will last you at least through next Fall (kinda like that severance package).

From top:

Avril Gau Grady 420 Euros

Duluth Pack Classic Leather Purse (yes, that is the name) $150

Coach Originals Rambler's Legacy $258 (I really dislike most Coach stuff, but these old schoolers are awesome, make a note to yourself to check your mom's closet for some original originals).

Tila March Bonnie Shoulder Bag $895 (there's a darker version on sale here for $595).

Rebecca Minkoff Stud Roadie $575 (for the high-risk investor that wants to bet on this studs business).

The Basics: Clean Kicks

Spring presents footwear problems. In fall and winter you live in boots, then the somewhat warmer weather tempts you to ditch the tights and go boots/bare legs. I urge you to visit some midtown Manhattan bars on a Friday night; you will see ladies that make you rethink this look. And your sandals/flip flops are in hibernation where they belong until it's at least 70 out.

Like a Cadbury Creme Egg, canvas sneakers were born for Spring! They become deliciously relevant right around April, especially in shades of white.

Like a hip hop star, buy more than one pair because once they get dingy you have to throw them out. (I only buy Feiyue, and I buy several at once ... they are so cheap!)

1. John Varvatos for Converse. $95. The lack of laces is appealing.

2. F-Troupe. UK 20 quid. Dance-tastic in plastic.

3. Feiyue. Low tops $64. Available on their site (they ship to the US) and at Lion's Den (also check Urban Outfitters). BEWARE! The martial arts stores on the internet, including Amazon, sell counterfeits!

4. Tretorn. $55. Nicely understated.

5. PAM. $128.50. Gourmet from Australia.

Accessories: Bargain Binns

Tom Binns' Faux Real jewelry collection is an inspiration. You stroll through the Fort Greene flea market armed with a pair of pliers and tell yourself you can make these. Dream on Martha! After removing the Superglue from your tender fingertips and logging off Etsy, take a moment to explore the undeniable influence of the CFDA award-winning ('06) Binns.

1,2,3. The real deal is somewhat hard to come by, try Net a Porter and Shop Bop, or go to his flagship Megastore.

4. Vintage (make sure the mix is magpie enough, like this Sherman piece, and relish spending your money at something called AZillion Sparklz).

5. Top Shop.

6,7. Erickson Beamon for Target. Which came first? Chicken, egg, Binns?

8. The next generation ... Katherine Sturgis. Not so much a bargain but the one-of-a-kind factor is worth it. Thanks to Something Picasso for highlighting this talent.